Coin Identification System and Method Using Image Processing

ABSTRACT

A coin identification system and method is disclosed for determining the identity of a source coin by way of image processing. The system comprises a source coin image capture means, an image processing means, and an output that relays information to the user or sorts the coin according to its match results. The processing means compares at least one image of the source coin to a plurality of reference coin images, whereby the image of the source coin is manipulated and overlaid onto the reference coin images to determine if a match is available with a given probability. An embodiment of the system employs a coin collection and sorting device. Another embodiment contemplates a handheld electronic device that captures and processes the source coin. Both embodiments may connect to a remote server housing the reference coin information or store the information locally.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/594,220 filed on Feb. 2, 2012, entitled “Optical Coin Discriminator.”The above identified patent application is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to image processing methods and coinidentification systems. More specifically, the present inventionpertains to a coin identification system and method whereby a coin imageis processed to determine its type, mint date, and value against adatabase of known coin images.

Coin collection is a popular activity among enthusiasts and traders thathas grown from a personal interest hobby that related to conservation ofthe coins to a more professional business with standardized grading andan open trading forum for exchange of coins amongst different parties.Where rare and valuable coins used to be collected for posterity andpersonal enjoyment, coin collecting has risen to the degree in whichprofessional graders are employed to determine coin value of a specificcoin for a collector to evaluate his or her portfolio and determine fairmarket value of the coins within a collection amongst other coincollectors. Certain coins have historical value or are sufficiently rarethat the current market price of the coin is vastly greater than theirearlier levels. Determining the exact value, grade, and specific type ofsome coins can be difficult if the coins are amongst a greaterassortment of less valuable coins or if the surfaces are sufficientlyworn. Identifying, sorting, and grading coins within a larger populationof other coins can be a time intensive and potentially expensiveproposition, particularly if a professional grader is utilized to findrare coins within a larger collection.

The difficulty with determining the existence of a valuable coin is thelack of an automated means of searching through other coins in order todetermine a potential rare coin in a collection of less valuable coins.Automated coin counters existing in the prior art and in the marketplace have varied technologies for the purposes of counting, separated,sorting, and determining the genuineness of coins being analyzed.However, few options exist for examining coins to determine both thetype, mint mark, and a potential grade of the coin between a pluralityof coins. Further still, determining the exact coin type, mint mark, andpotential value of a specific coin can be difficult for novice and evenexperienced coin collectors. The coin surface can wear over time and itmay become difficult to identify and classify the coin against areference, if a suitable reference is even available to the collector.

The present invention contemplates a system and method for identifying,sorting, and cataloging coins using an image capture means and an imageprocessing means, whereby both faces of a target coin are analyzedagainst a database of known coin images, or reference images. The targetcoin is first separated from a plurality of others inserted into thesystem, whereby the coin travels through a singular coin path for bothof its faces to be optically scanned or photographed. Thereafter, theimage processing means analyzes the surface contours, the surfacesedges, and the shape of the coin to determine its identity and potentialgrade using a reference database of known coin images. If the systemcannot identify the specific coin, the user is notified of a non-match,alerting the user of a counterfeit coin, a coin not available in thedatabase, or a coin that is sufficiently worn to inhibit suitablematching. Further provided is an extension of the system, whereby themethod of coin identification is extended for use as an application in ahandheld device having an image capture means.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to coindiscriminators and coin counters. These include devices that have beenpatented and published in patent application publications, and generallyrelate to discriminators having diverging elements, purposes, orintentions with regard to identifying or sorting coins. The presentinvention utilizes an image processing system and method that canidentify the make and potential value of a coin amongst a greaterpopulation, automating the process of rare and valuable coinidentification for collectors. The following is a list of devices deemedmost relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described forthe purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects ofthe present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existingin the prior art.

Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,620 to Imura discloses a coindiscriminating apparatus having a light emitting means directed toward asurface of a coin and a line sensor for capturing the reflected imagepattern of the coin surface. The diameter of the coin and the referencepattern data of the coin surface are utilized to determine the type anddenomination of the coin, whereby these variables are compared to imagepattern data to match the reflected image to stored reference data. Amagnetic sensor means can also be included to detect the magneticproperties of the coin and thus improve the means of determining thecoin denomination. While the Imura device utilizes light and referencedata to match coin denominations, its system and its method of matchingdiverge from the present invention, which utilizes photo optics andimage processing to match the image with reference data stored withinthe system.

Another such device is U.S. Pat. No. 7,916,281 to Haddock, whichdiscloses an apparatus for producing scattering signatures from a coinusing a rotatable platform for holding the coin, an electromagneticradiation source such as a laser, and a plurality of scattered signaturecollection elements such as a diode array for producing a detectionsignature unique to the coin for identification and evaluation thereof.The coin can be evaluated for coin grading for collectors, the coin canbe analyzed to make a template for later review, and high fidelity coinidentification can be processed using the Haddock means for determiningownership and identification of an exact coin. However, the Haddocksystem utilizes an electromagnetic radiation source as a means toanalyze the coin, while the present invention utilizes an image captureand processing means. The cost and complexity of the present inventionis significantly reduced when compared to the implementation and systemrequired to utilize a laser analyzing source.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,581 to Yoshida discloses a coin discriminationapparatus that utilizes both optics and magnetic data to validate a coinand to prevent counterfeiting thereof, where specific denominations areanalyzed against multiple criteria to ensure their validity. Theapparatus comprises a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a referenceoptical data memory for storing reference optical data of coindenominations, and a reference magnetic data memory for storingreference magnetic data of the same coin denominations. The diameter andsurface pattern data gathered by the optical sensor are used inconjunction with the magnetic data produced by the magnetic sensor tovalidate the authenticity of the coins and prevent collection ofcounterfeit coins. While disclosing a device that utilizes an opticalscanning system and accessible memory for comparing a target coin, theYoshida system and method differ from the present invention. The presentinvention relies solely on optical scanning on both faces of the coin,whereafter an image processing method is employed to verify the coinagainst a stored database of reference coin images for determining thetype, year, and value of the coin being analyzed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,049 to Nakajima discloses another coindiscriminating apparatus that comprises a light source irradiating meansfor illuminating the surface of a coin to analyze for surface unevennessand its surface pattern. The irradiation source is a plurality of fiberoptic light sources that illuminate the coin surface. A photoelectricconverting means converts the reflected light from the coin surface intoelectrical signals that are interpreted and analyzed to determine thegenuineness and type of coin being discriminated. Similar to theaforementioned prior art devices, the Nakajima device provides a coindiscriminator with diverging elements with respect to the presentinvention. The present invention pertains to an image capture and imageprocessing system, whereby both sides of the coin are simultaneouslyanalyzed for determining the coin attributes against a known database ofcoin reference images.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 7,743,902 to Wendell discloses yet another coindiscriminating and processing system that utilizes optics as a means todetermine coin validity and to count a number of coins being depositedinto the system. The system utilizes a light beam emitted across a coinpath having a plurality of conveyed coins traveling therealong. Acorresponding light sensor measures the number of interruptions of thelight sensor as the coins travel along the coin path. The interruptionsare counted to determine the number of coins passing thereby, wherebythe number of each denomination can be counted using their own lightsource and detector to count the number of coins deposited into thesystem. While the Wendell device is a coin discriminator using opticalsensors, its purpose and its system components differ from the presentinvention. The Wendell device is related to counting the number of coinspassing a given location after being separated, while the presentinvention pertains to analyzing each specific coin inserted into thesystem for comparing its surface edges to stored reference data forcataloging and authentication purposes.

The present invention provides a system and a method of coinidentification using an image capture means and image processing meansto determine the type, mint mark, potential value, and identification ofthe coin. The system can be deployed in a device that sorts andseparates a plurality of coins within a hopper and analyzes each coinindividually, or alternatively the system may be deployed using ahandheld, image capture and processing device. The goal is to quicklyanalyze and catalog coins by matching their features against a knowndatabase of coin reference images. It is submitted that the presentinvention is substantially divergent in design elements from the priorart, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for animprovement to existing coin identification means using a coin imageprocessing system and method. In this regard the instant inventionsubstantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofcoin discriminator systems and coin processing means now present in theprior art, the present invention provides a new image processing coindiscriminator that can be utilized for providing convenience for theuser by deploying an image capture and processing means within a sortingdevice to sort and identify coins within a larger population, oralternatively identifying an individual coin using a handheld, imagecapture and processing device.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved image processing coin discriminator system and method that hasall of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an imageprocessing coin discriminator that utilizes an image capture means andan image processing means to analyze a first and second side of a coinand compare the processed image of the coin to a template coin imagestored within a database.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing coin discriminator that can determine the surface lines,contours, and shape of the coin using the coin image for matching thecoin to a reference coin image.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing coin discriminator that can identify the type, date, mintmark, and therefore the potential value of a target coin using an imageprocessing method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing coin discriminator that comprises a system having at leastone image capture means, a processing means, memory, and a database ofreference coin images.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing coin discriminator that comprises a coin sorting device thatcan accept a plurality of coins and individually analyze each coin,providing feedback to the user as to each coin type and sorting eachcoin based on the analysis.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing coin discriminator that comprises a handheld device thatutilizes the present system and method for capturing and processing atarget coin.

A final object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing coin discriminator that allows a user to discern the value,genuineness, and potential grade of a coin using an image capture andprocessing means.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the present system.

FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram highlighting the high level steps of thepresent method and system.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention shown in a schematicdiagram, whereby a sorting device operates based on input from thepresent system and method.

FIG. 4 shows the sorting device output steps based on the matchingcategory provided by the system.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of the present coin matching method.

FIG. 6 shows the algorithm used to develop a strong match between atarget coin being analyzed and a reference coin image.

FIG. 7 shows a view of an embodiment of the present invention deployedin a sorting device, whereby a plurality of coins can be loaded andindividually analyzed and thereafter sorted.

FIG. 8 shows another view of the sorting device.

FIG. 9 a shows a view of an embodiment of the present system and method,whereby a handheld device is deployed to capture and process the coinimage.

FIG. 9 b shows a view of an embodiment of the present system and method,whereby a handheld device is deployed to capture and process the coinimage using access to a remote server.

FIG. 10 shows an example of what information is provided on thereference image database, including image information for matching thetarget coin, mint marks, and other identifying and historical data forthe coin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the image processing coin discriminator. For the purposes ofpresenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, thepreferred embodiment will be discussed as used for identifying andsorting coins based on an image processing method and a system. Thefigures are intended for representative purposes only and should not beconsidered to be limiting in any respect.

The present invention describes both a method and system for analyzing asource coin using an image capture means and an image processing means,whereby the coin surfaces are compared to reference coin images within adatabase to determine the identity of the coin for the user. The systemis deployed within a coin sorting device or via a handheld image captureand processing device. The coin sorting embodiment of the system acceptsseveral coins and analyzes each separately, while providing output inthe form of a sorting process or direct communication with the user. Thehandheld system employs a handheld electronic device (e.g. a smartphonedevice) that includes a camera of sufficient fidelity and a processingmeans for analyzing and comparing the coin image to reference images.The reference images are stored locally on the device within a storagemeans, or alternatively the reference images can be stored on a remoteserver, whereby the handheld device or sorting embodiment has thecapability of communicating to the remote server via a network interfacemeans (e.g. a wireless antenna chip or Ethernet port). The methoddeployed for analyzing the coins utilizes an image processing meanshaving several line and surface algorithms, whereby the details of thecoin surface edges and the geometry of the coin can be compared to aplurality of reference coin images within a retrievable database,whereby the success of the match is given probability as to an absolutematch between the source coin and a reference coin image. The matchprobability using several different matching algorithms are comparedwith one another to determine the highest probability match beforecommunicating to the user the identity of the coin (if a match is indeedavailable in the reference coin database and if the source coin canindeed be analyzed given its surface properties).

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic diagram of theelements of the present system, whereby the system is capable ofanalyzing a source coin 12 based on an image processing method andcomparing the processed image 14 to a stored database of known coinimages. The system comprises an image capture means 11, an imageprocessing means 21, and a storage means 31, whereby the elementsfunction to provide an image processing computer system that provides acoin match output 41 based on the results of the processing method. Theimage capture means 11 preferably comprises at least one digital camera13 or suitable image capture technology that is capable of creating adigital image 14 of a target coin 12 of sufficient fidelity such thatthe source coin's surface lines, contours, markings, geometry, andtexture can be seen with clarity for further processing. The camera 13further includes elements commonly found in the art of digital imagecapture devices, including a lens, an aperture, a shutter, an electronicimage sensor, and an illuminating flash. Dual, opposing cameras 13 maybe deployed to simultaneously capture an image 14 of both sides of thecoin for processing both surfaces for improved matching.

The image processing means 21 comprises a processing means 22 such as amicroprocessor or central processing unit (CPU) 22 and a main memory 23.The processing means 22 carries out programmed instructions of thematching method and carries out the operational instructions for thesystem elements. A storage means 31 stores digital information relatedto the reference images and the processing instructions for which theprocessing means 22 to carry out. A remote storage means 31 may also beutilized to retain the reference image information, thus reducing thelocal storage capacity requirements and allowing for updates to thedatabase of images and the system to quickly be uploaded or changedwithout uploading new information to the local storage 31. The localstorage means 31 comprises a mass storage device such as a computer harddisk or removable media, while the remote storage means may comprise ahard disk or server accessed remotely through a network accessed using anetwork interface means such as a wireless antenna chip or Ethernetport.

In operation, the image of a source coin 12 is first captured using theimage capture means 11, whereby at least one side of the coin 12 iscaptured. Thereafter, the image processing means 21 interrogates thesource image 14 and makes modifications thereto to highlight its shape,surface lines, markings, and indicia. The processing means 21 thencompares the modified source image 14 with reference images within thestorage means 31 in an iterative process to determine an appropriatematch. Several matching criteria are used, whereafter the coin 12 isclassified into one of three output categories 41: the source coindecidedly matched with a referenced coin image, the source coin beingunmatched, or the source coin match being undetermined based on thequality of the source coin, its captured image, or based on the limitedextent of the reference image database. The output 41 is provided to auser in a plurality of ways, including a visual indication of the matchoutput or by sorting the target coin 12 based on a category(match/unmatched/undetermined, based on coin material type, or rathersome combination of desirable sorting categories).

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a flow diagram outlining thehigh level steps of the present image processing method, whereby asource coin is first interrogated for its features and then identifiedbased on reference coin images. The method initiates when a source coinimage is acquired 101 by the image capture means. This forms an inputimage to be analyzed, modified, and then compared with reference imagesin the system. The input image is saved 102 to the storage means andaccessed using the main memory of the processing means. Thereafter, themain memory of the processing means loads consecutive references images103 from the storage means to be compared separately with the sourceimage. The source image is then analyzed using a matching algorithm andcompared 104 with each reference image, loaded consecutively. Thegeometry of the coin, the lines of the coin surface, and the coinindicia are all compared against the loaded reference image to determinea probable match.

The matching process is an iterative process by which several differentmatching algorithms are deployed to determine the algorithm thatprovides the highest probability of match over a confidence interval. Ifa suitable match threshold is not surpassed, consecutive referenceimages are cycled to determine a more appropriate and higher probabilitymatch. If the highest match probability does not meet a suitablethreshold, the output 105 is revealed as unmatched and the coin identityis not claimed. If the matching probability is sufficiency low or if theprocessing means cannot find suitable features on the source coin tomatch, the output 105 is shown as undetermined. Finally, if a suitablematch is found, the coin identity is revealed 106 to the user or used inthe system to sort the coin appropriately. This process utilizes theimage processing means to cycle through matching algorithms and thereference images to match the source coin with sufficient certainty. Thefidelity of the image capture means, therefore, the robustness of theimage processing means, and the comprehensiveness of the reference imagedatabase must then be suitable to provide accurate output results, whilealso preventing false positives or false negatives.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a schematic view of the presentinvention, wherein the elements of the coin sorting embodiment areshown. The present method, when deployed in a coin separating apparatus,employs the same aforementioned system elements, however the output 41involves sorting the source coin based on the results of the imageprocessing and the matching results. In this embodiment, at least onecamera 13 is present within the system to function as the image capturemeans 11. The image processing means 21 functions as a means toprocessing the source coin image, the image capture means controller,and the controller of the sorting apparatus 41 after the coin matchprobability has been determined. The image processing means 21 comprisesthe processing means 22 and main memory 23, which draws instructionsfrom a storage means 31 to process the captured image of the target coinand to compare the captured image to reference images also stored on thestorage means 31. As mentioned, the reference images may also be storedremotely on a secondary storage means to reduce local storagerequirements and to improve efficiency of updating the system. Based onthe results of the image processing, the match output 41 comprisesreleasing the source coin from an identification chamber within whichthe coin is supported as its image or images are captured. Oncereleased, the coin travels to a sorting pathway and is routed to aspecific bin or collection chamber. It is contemplated that electricmotors or stepper motors are utilized to release the coin from theidentification chamber 202 and also direct the coin through a particularpathway 201 using flappers or other suitable structures. The exactdesign and structural elements deployed within the sorting device canvary depending on the desired application, desired output, and the userrequirements; however the basic system elements are retained prior tothe sorting process.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a flow diagram related to theoutput 41 of the coin sorting embodiment of the present system. In thisembodiment, after the source coin match category 105 has beendetermined, the processing means communicates with the electric motorcontrollers or stepper motor controllers to toggle at least one sortingmeans 201 within the device to direct the source coin to a specificlocation based on its match category 105. In one embodiment, flappersare utilized to direct the source coin from its identification chamberand into a prescribed bin. The source coin is first supported within theidentification chamber, where at least one of its surfaces is capturedby the image capture means for processing. Once the match category 105has been determined and the flappers have been toggled 201 to thecorrect output bin, a release within the source coin identificationchamber 202 is toggled to drop or flow the source coin to the outputbin. This notifies the user whether the coin is matched, or within whatcategory the specific coin can be classified. In other embodiments, avisual output may also accompany the physical sorting process such thatthe user is notified of the coin match category and/or information aboutthe coin.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a flow diagram outlining thepresent coin image processing method. The first step in the processinvolves isolating a source coin within an identification chamber orisolating an individual coin to be processed, after which at least oneimage of the coin is captured. The source coin image forms an inputimage for the process that is first loaded 301. While the source coinimage is loaded, the first reference coin image is loaded 302 fromwithin the reference image database. From here, the input image isadjusted 303 to account for an image of the coin that is not perfectlyparallel to the image capture means lens. Depending on the circumstanceswith which the input image is taken, the coin can be tilted and thusskew the image thereof, creating an illusion of a deformed or skewedcoin shape and corresponding surface lines. To compensate for a skewedinput image, the method performs an ellipse transform operation toproject the skewed image onto a plane whose normal is directed at thecamera lens. Adjusting the input image for off-vertical camera anglesinvolves recognizing the boundary of the object and if the boundary hasan elliptical shape rather than a circular shape. The major and minoraxes and then determined, whereafter the transformation proceeds bydetermining the major and minor axes of the source coin and stretchingthe image parallel to the minor axis while shrinking it parallel to themajor axis until they are equal. This may also require some keystoningoperations. The goal is to provide a corrected input image that is ofcircular shape for proper comparison with circular reference images.

Once the input image has been transformed 303, the input image iscompared 304 with the loaded reference image. The input image is scaled305 uniformly to match the approximate size (diameter) of the referencecoin image. To reduce noise and minor imperfections of the source coinsurface (and background area) within the input image, the input image isblurred 306 to soften the image for improved detection of its majorsurface lines and edges. Once blurred, the edges on the input image aredetected 307 using a Canny edge detector operation. Major edges on thesource coin are thus detected and thereafter marked 308 on the inputimage for comparison to the reference image. After edges are detected,surface lines of the input image are detected using a line transformoperation (Standard Hough Line Transform or Probabilistic LineTransform). These lines are also marked on the input image 310,modifying the input image based first on detected edges and then basedon detected lines. The input image is modified and stored within thestorage means. Once edges and lines are marked on the input image, theinput image is overlaid onto the reference image 311 for the matchingprocedure to commence. Up to this step, the steps have involvedmodifying the input image such that the matching steps will proceed withgreater probability of match if indeed a match does exist within thereference image database.

Matching the modified input image with the loaded reference imageproceeds by using the detected edges and lines from the modified inputimage, rotating the modified input image, and sliding the modified inputimage to correspond with the lines and edges of the reference image.Either the reference image or the modified input image may be rotatedand slid during this comparison. The image being rotated and slid ismoved one pixel at time. At each pixel location, a metric is calculatedthat represents how “good” or “bad” the match is at that pixel location(or how similar the reference is to that particular area of the modifiedinput image). By rotating, the image being handled is rotated in asequence of five degrees from center, and repeating the sliding process.This rotation can be repeated for a full rotation (360 degrees) of theimage being handled (the modified input image or the reference image).For each pixel location during the rotation and sliding operation, themetric is stored in a results matrix (R). Each location (x,y) in Rcontains the match metric.

The process of matching the modified input image with the loadedreference image 312 proceeds using several different algorithms todetermine the highest match probability. The highest match probabilityis then utilized as a the result of the matching operation 312. Thesepercentages can change dynamically because of the lighting on the sourcecoin surfaces and the wear of the coin. The following is a list ofalgorithms utilized in the matching procedure. Each matching algorithmis well known in the art of image processing. The matching processproceeds by finding areas of an input image matching the template imagewhereby an each of the following algorithms is utilized:

Squared Difference Algorithm:

${R\left( {x,y} \right)} = {\sum\limits_{x^{\prime},y^{\prime}}\; \left( {{T\left( {x^{\prime},y^{\prime}} \right)} - {I\left( {{x + x^{\prime}},{y + y^{\prime}}} \right)}} \right)^{2}}$

Normalized Squared Difference Algorithm:

${R\left( {x,y} \right)} = \frac{\sum\limits_{x^{\prime},y^{\prime}}\; \left( {{T\left( {x^{\prime},y^{\prime}} \right)} - {I\left( {{x + x^{\prime}},{y + y^{\prime}}} \right)}} \right)^{2}}{\sqrt{\sum\limits_{x^{\prime},y^{\prime}}\; {{T\left( {x^{\prime},y^{\prime}} \right)}^{2} \cdot {\sum\limits_{x^{\prime},y^{\prime}}\; {I\left( {{x + x^{\prime}},{y + y^{\prime}}} \right)}^{2}}}}}$

Cross Correlation Algorithm:

${R\left( {x,y} \right)} = {\sum\limits_{x^{\prime},y^{\prime}}\; \left( {{T\left( {x^{\prime},y^{\prime}} \right)} \cdot {I\left( {{x + x^{\prime}},{y + y^{\prime}}} \right)}} \right)}$

Normalized Cross Correlation Algorithm:

${R\left( {x,y} \right)} = \frac{\sum\limits_{x^{\prime},y^{\prime}}\; \left( {{T\left( {x^{\prime},y^{\prime}} \right)} \cdot {I^{\prime}\left( {{x + x^{\prime}},{y + y^{\prime}}} \right)}} \right)}{\sqrt{\sum\limits_{x^{\prime},y^{\prime}}\; {{T\left( {x^{\prime},y^{\prime}} \right)}^{2} \cdot {\sum\limits_{x^{\prime},y^{\prime}}\; {I\left( {{x + x^{\prime}},{y + y^{\prime}}} \right)}^{2}}}}}$

Correlation Coefficient Algorithm:

${R\left( {x,y} \right)} = {\sum\limits_{x^{\prime},y^{\prime}}\; \left( {{T^{\prime}\left( {x^{\prime},y^{\prime}} \right)} \cdot {I\left( {{x + x^{\prime}},{y + y^{\prime}}} \right)}} \right)}$

where:

T′(x′, y′)=T(x′, y′)−1/(w·h)·Σ_(x″, y″) T(x″, y″)

I′(x+x′, y+y′)=I(x+x′, y+y′)−1/(w·h)·Σ_(x″, y″)I(x+x″, y+y″)

Normalized Correlation Coefficient Algorithm:

${R\left( {x,y} \right)} = \frac{\sum\limits_{x^{\prime},y^{\prime}}\; \left( {{T^{\prime}\left( {x^{\prime},y^{\prime}} \right)} \cdot {I^{\prime}\left( {{x + x^{\prime}},{y + y^{\prime}}} \right)}} \right)}{\sqrt{\sum\limits_{x^{\prime},y^{\prime}}\; {{T^{\prime}\left( {x^{\prime},y^{\prime}} \right)}^{2} \cdot {\sum\limits_{x^{\prime},y^{\prime}}\; {I^{\prime}\left( {{x + x^{\prime}},{y + y^{\prime}}} \right)}^{2}}}}}$

The foregoing algorithms are utilized to match the modified input imageto the reference image once overlaid over one another. All of thesealgorithms can be cycled through individually or some combinationthereof. The highest match probability resulting from the deployedalgorithms are then utilized as the match result for output of thesystem. Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an expanded flow diagramof the matching procedure 312, whereby the matching methods n through Nare executed 401 in an iterative process. The given matching algorithmderives a match probability 402, which is then utilized in the overallflow of FIG. 5 to compare to the algorithm's match probably againstpreceding match probabilities to determine which algorithm has providedthe highest match probability. Referring back to FIG. 5, the matchoutput from the given algorithm is normalized 313 before regions of theinput image with higher matching probability are identified 314 formatching surface marks and indicia of the coin. The identifying marks orindicia are then recognized 315 using optical character recognition(OCR) to determine what the indicia read. Once the matching procedure isconducted, the probably of the match is then compared against anyprevious algorithm's probability to determine if the probably of thegiven iteration is acceptable 316. If the matching algorithms have notbeen exhausted and if the matching probably is not to a sufficientstandard, the matching process 312 initiates again with a differentmatching algorithm, whereby its match probability is determined. Thisproceeds until a sufficiently high probably of match is determined or ifthe algorithms have been exhausted.

If the results indeed provide a match with a sufficient probability, theresults of the match being relayed 319 to the user or utilized in thesorting process. If the match probability is not sufficiently high, asubsequent reference image is loaded 302 for matching another referencecoin to the input image. If the reference images within the databasehave been exhausted, the results of the non-match are relayed to theuser 319 or forwarded to the sorting process for appropriate action. Inthis way, the input image is matched using several different matchingmethods for each reference image until a satisfactory output is reached.This is a sample flow that fulfills the goals of the present imageprocessing method. It is contemplated that departures or more efficientsteps may be incorporated in later designs of the method, however thebasis of the coin identification procedure is image processing usingline and edge detection and probabilistic matching algorithms that scaneach pixel of the input image against the reference image and identifyindicia on the source coin surface.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a cross section view of the coinsorting embodiment of the present method. In this embodiment, the systemutilizes a sorting means as an output based on the input imageprocessing. A first and second camera 13 positioned along opposing sidesof a coin identification chamber 505 that supports the source coinduring image capture and processing. The coin identification chamber 505accepts a single coin at a time, whereby coins can be dropped into acoin deposit area 502 having sloping sidewalls 503 to direct a sourcecoin into the identification chamber for processing. The source coin issupported within the chamber 505 via a perch 202 controlled by thechamber release motor, which rotates the perch 202 from a closed to andopen position. When closed, a source coin is supported on its edge forimage capture of one or both of its sides. When open, the perchwithdraws from the interior of the chamber to allow the source coin todrop into a sorting area. Flapper elements 206 within the sorting areacontrol the direction of the source coin after being released, wherebythe coin is routed to a desired collection bin 504 therebelow.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown another view of the coin sortingembodiment of the present invention. In this view, the stepper motors205 of the release perch and the flapper elements 206 are visualized. Itis contemplated that the number of flapper elements 206 and design ofthe sorting area may take several different forms, depending on theneeds of the user and the number of output categories desired. It isdesired to show a functional embodiment that can be used to analyze andoptically analyze coins deposited into the device quickly andefficiently. The source coins are placed within the deposit area 502 oneby one, or alternatively a sorting means can accept a plurality of coinsat once and convey them individually into the identification chamber,whereafter the coins are sorted into collection bins 504 for the user.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, there is shown an embodiment of thepresent system in which a handheld electronic device or smartphonedevice 601 is employed as a means of capturing and processing a sourcecoin 12 image. In this embodiment, the handheld device 601 incorporatesthe image processing means 21 and the image capture means of the system.Notably, a camera 13 along the device 601 allows a user to capture animage of the source coin 12, store the image onto the local storagemeans 31 within the device 602 while controlling the process through anapplication on the device interface 602. The image processing means 21proceeds as with the sorting embodiment, wherein the source coin iscaptured as an input image to be compared against reference imagesstored within a database. The database may be stored locally on thedevice storage means 31, or alternatively the device may have network701 connectivity. With connectivity to a network 701 using a networkinterface means (e.g. a wireless antenna chip or Ethernet port), thedatabase can be stored on a remote server 702, reducing the storageneeds of the device 601 and relying on the remote server 702 to storethe files of the reference coin images. The network may comprise aninternet network, a local area network, or a wireless network. A furtherembodiment and a variation to that configuration shown in FIG. 9 b isthe option for running the image processing means 21 on the remoteserver 702, as opposed to running the processing means 21 locally on thehandheld electronic device 601. This embodiment allows the processing ofthe coin 12 to occur remotely, where improved computing power may beemployed over that installed in the handheld device 601. The image istherefore processed remotely and the results of the information arerelayed back through the network 701 for the handheld device to relayresults to the user.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a sample entry 801 in thereference coin database. It is contemplated that the first 802 andsecond 803 sides of the reference coin are available for comparing tothe first and second sides of the source coin. The coin indicia 804,mint marks 805, geometry, and surface features are present in thereference images. Along with this visual data for image processing,related information and historical data 806 may also be stored withinthe database, providing a means for the user not only to be notified ofthe coin identity, but also provide some additional data related to thespecific coin for user reference. Once the source coin is identified,ideally the owner would like to know its value and significance forfurther his or her coin collection or bargaining power in a cointransaction. The size requirements of the data and the storage limits ofthe specific embodiment of the present system will dictate the size ofthe reference images and the amount of associated data 806 accompanyingeach reference image.

Many rare and valuable coins exist in circulation today; however thosenot familiar with the hobby of coin collecting may overlook the subtledifferences in coins that make one more valuable than another. A generallayperson does not have an automated and robust way of identifying thevalue of a potentially rare coin within a larger collection or theability to find information related to a specific coin of interest. Manyindividuals look to coin dealers and hobbyists in the hopes that theycan identify the differences between the coins in order to determinetheir grade and market value. To prevent coin dealer shopping and toprovide an efficient means of identifying a coin, the present inventionis herein submitted for the purposes of identifying a coin with a highprobability using image processing system.

The coin discriminators currently available in the prior art use acombination of optics and software algorithms to identify coin types.Although they can identify basic differences, such as coin types, theseprior art devices have no way to sort or select coins based on the dateor mint-mark of the coin. Additionally, there are no methods that can beeasily deployed in both a sorting machine and a handheld device toidentify a coin based on its type, year, mint-mark, geometry, surfacefeatures. The general difficulty with determining the existence of avaluable coin is the lack of an automated way of searching through acoin database in order to determine a potential value of a coin within acollection. Additionally, coin dealers and hobbyists cannotautomatically sort and separate coins based on their value or some otherchosen metric.

The present invention solves the issue of determining the identity ofcoins, whereby optics (preferably a camera or a laser source) build adigital image of the source coin, whereafter an image processing methoddetermines the coin identity based on a large database of reference coinimages from which to match the source coin thereto. Use of the presentinvention permits a coin enthusiast to efficiently identify coins andisolate those of particular interest or value. This automated processsaves time from manually searching each coin by hand.

It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and describedin what is considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be madewithin the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications willoccur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the abovedescription then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. A coin identifying system using image processing,comprising: an image capture means for creating a digital image of atleast one side of a source coin; an image processing means for comparingsaid source coin image with reference coin images; said image processingmeans comprising a processing means, a main memory, and a storage means;said reference coin images being stored within a database andindividually compared against said source coin image to determine amatch probability output based on image processing instructions fromsaid storage means.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said database ofreference coin images is stored within said storage means.
 3. The systemof claim 1, further comprising: a network; a network interface means; aremote server for storing said database of reference coin images.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising: a network; a network interfacemeans; a remote server for storing said database of reference coinimages and said image processing means.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein said image capture means further comprises at least one digitalcamera having a lens, an aperture, a shutter, and an electronic imagesensor.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a sorting meanshaving a source coin identification chamber within which said sourcecoin image is capture and thereafter processed, sorting elements forrouting said source coin from said identification chamber to a desiredlocation after said source coin is processed.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein said sorting elements further comprise flapper elementscontrolled by electric motors within a coin sorting area and a coinrelease controlled by an electric motor to release said source coin intosaid sorting area.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein said image capturemeans and said image processing means further comprises a handheldelectronic device.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: anetwork; said image capture means and said image processing meansfurther comprising a handheld electronic device; said handheldelectronic device having a network interface means; a remote server forstoring said database of reference coin images.
 10. The system of claim1, further comprising: a network; said image capture means furthercomprising a handheld electronic device; said handheld electronic devicehaving a network interface means; a remote server for storing saiddatabase of reference coin images and said image processing means.
 11. Amethod of identifying a coin using image processing, comprising thesteps of: capturing at least one input image of a source coin using animage capture means; processing said source coin image by detectingedges and lines from said input image using an image processing means;comparing said edges and lines with a reference coin image; determiningif a match is found between said source coin and said reference coinimage.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said detecting said sourcecoin edges and lines from said input image and comparing said edges andlines with a reference coin image further comprises: adjusting saidinput image based on skew or angle of said source coin; scaling saidinput image to match approximate size of said reference image; blurringsaid input image; finding said input image edges with an edge detectoralgorithm; finding said input image lines with a line transformalgorithm; marking said lines and edges into a modified input image;overlaying said modified input image over a reference coin image. 13.The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: loading asubsequent reference image if no match is determined between saidreference image and said source coin.
 14. The method of claim 11,further comprising the steps of: classifying said source coin in anoutput category based on a successful or unsuccessful match with saidreference coin image.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein determining ifa match is found between said source coin and said reference coin imagefurther comprises the steps of: using several matching algorithms in aniterative fashion to determine a match with highest probability ornon-match with highest probability.
 16. The method of claim 11,comparing said edges and lines with a reference coin image furthercomprises: normalizing said match determination output; localizingregions of higher matching probability for identifying marks; recognizeidentifying marks using optical character recognition.
 17. The method ofclaim 11, wherein said image capture means and said image processingmeans further comprises a coin sorting device.
 18. The method of claim11, wherein said image capture means and said image processing meansfurther comprises a handheld electronic device.
 19. The method of claim11, further comprising the steps of: utilizing a remote server andnetwork connection to store said reference coin images.
 20. The methodof claim 11, further comprising the steps of: utilizing a remote serverand network connection to store said reference coin images and saidimage processing means.